Ecstasy use among high school students in Lahidjan 2005

Ecstasy is a methamphetamine derivative becoming increasingly popular if throughout the world, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Iron, situated between eastern and western societies, can serve as a significant source of information on ecstasy use end on the users' profile. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ecstasy use and high-risk behavior among high school students in Lahidjan. We conducted a cross-sectional study of a representative sample drawn from high school students of Lohidjan in 2005, using multi-stage stratified random sampling. The study questionnaire was administered to 2345 students in grades 8 through 12. The questionnaire was adapted from that used in "Monitoring the futures" projects in the United States and ESPAD [The European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs]. It included questions on demographic characteristics, family profile, social contacts, school life and the use of drugs. Data analysis was done with the SPSS software [version 11.5], using X[2] tests and logistic regression methods. Of the 2345 students selected for the study, 2328 [92%] responded. Of these, 1327 [57.8%] were males and 970 [42.2%] were females. Lifetime prevalence of ecstasy use was 2.4% [55 students]; 31 subjects had used ecstasy within the past month and 24 students reported using the substance in the preceding year. Ninety-two subjects [4.2%] had experience with other drugs. In X[2] tests, ecstasy use was significantly associated with gender, use of other substances, cigarette smoking, partying with friends, family structure and poor school performance in the post. There was no association with age type of school [private or public] or the family's education level. In logistic regression, factors influencing ecstasy use were the use of other drugs, cigarette smoking and partying with friends [p< 0.0001]. Ecstasy use appears to be a serious problem in high schools. Whatever the causes behind the rise in ecstasy use, personalized and informative educational interventions should be organized in oil schools

Myocardial ischemia serum markers in coronary artery bypass grafting by on-pump and off-pump techniques

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting [CABG] is usually performed with Cardio Pulmonary Bypass [CPB]. However CPB has been associated with several adverse effects. Recently off-pump CABG technique is offered as an alternative to the standard on-pump technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of the technique by estimating and comparing serum markers of myocardial ischemia; CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, Cardiac Troponin 1 and some peri and postoperative complications after two types of surgical procedures. Seventy-three patients [58 males and 15 females] with angiographically defined CAD admitted to the hospital for CABG were selected. The off-pump technique was performed in 38 patients with mean age of 60 +/- 10.5 years. In 35 other patients with mean age of 55 +/- 10.4 years, the on-pump technique was applied. CK, CK-MB, LDH and AST activities and Cardiac Troponin 1 concentration were measured pre and postoperatively into first 24 hours. Characteristics of the patiaents and some pre and postoperative data regarding incidence of complications were also recorded. The activities of cardiac enzymes; CK, CK-MB, LDH and AST after on-pump CABG technique were higher than those of off-pump technique [P<0.05 in all cases]. The levels of Troponin I were significantly higher after on-pump CABG throughout the entire measurement period [P<0.01]. In other groups of the patients no preoperative myocardial infarction was observed. In the off-pump technique procedure time was shorter and transfusion of blood and blood products was less than those of on- pump technique, but no differences were noticed among the other recorded data. Significantly lower release of the enzymes and Troponin 1 during operation by off-pump technique suggests that the technique causes less myocardial injury. On the basis of little change in the activities of cardiac enzymes and Troponin 1 and presented data including a marked decrease in blood transfusion and shorter procedural time it is concluded that off-pump CABG is a safe and effective technique in selected patients with appropriate coronary lesions